What does active mean, and what's included in the box?

Active means the pickup has its own powered circuit (powered by a single 9V battery, included with the electronics). The box includes the pickup, potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup-in/out bus, and all necessary solderless components—no soldering required.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The 9V battery draws only 80 microamps and delivers approximately 3,000 hours of playing time per charge, so a single battery lasts roughly 4 months of regular gigging or studio use.

Can I use this in both neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the EMG 60A is designed to fit both neck and bridge positions and delivers balanced, articulate response in either slot without tonal compromise.

How does it compare to the EMG 81 or 85?

The 60A uses alnico magnets instead of ceramic, yielding a warmer, more musical tone with enhanced midrange definition. It maintains the high output and clarity of EMG's active designs but with a more classic humbucker character—better suited to fusion, classic rock, and genres where tone texture matters alongside power.

Is solderless installation really easier?

Yes—the solderless system (potentiometer, battery bus, and output jack included) eliminates complex wiring, making installation straightforward for intermediate players and faster for professionals.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 60A Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG 60A is a high-output active humbucker built around alnico magnets and narrow coils that deliver articulate, balanced response across the frequency spectrum. This pickup excels in both neck and bridge positions, offering the clarity and sustain gigging musicians demand without sacrificing the fundamental character of a classic humbucker design.

Live Tone & Output Characteristics

The alnico magnet construction yields a warmer, more musical response compared to ceramic alternatives, with enhanced midrange definition and natural compression. High output level ensures strong signal transfer to your amplifier and maintains clarity even through driven tones, cutting through live mixes in classic rock, modern metal, and fusion contexts alike.

Installation & Power Requirements

The solderless installation system includes all necessary components—potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, and pickup-in/out bus—eliminating complex wiring and roadside troubleshooting. A single 9V battery powers the active circuit with exceptional efficiency, drawing only 80 microamps and delivering approximately 3,000 hours of playing time per charge, keeping you on stage longer between battery changes.

Key Features

Active humbucker with alnico magnets
Narrow coil design for articulate response
High output level
Solderless installation system
Fits neck and bridge positions
Includes 25 kOhm volume and tone potentiometer
Battery bus and stereo output jack included
Pickup-in/out bus for routing flexibility
Maximum 27V DC power supply specification
80 microamps current draw at 9V
Approximately 3,000-hour battery life
Black chrome finish

The EMG 60A combines the convenience of active electronics with the musicality of alnico construction—a proven choice for touring and session players who understand their signal chain and refuse compromise on either performance or ease of installation.

Best suited for	Metal, Hard Rock, Fusion, Progressive, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Articulate, balanced, warm midrange, high output, natural compression
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional